In a disquieting revelation, the federally appointed oversight authority for correctional services in Canada observes a troubling rise in the Indigenous prison population countrywide. There exists a concerning prevalence of Indigenous Peoples in Canadian correctional establishments, an issue that, quite alarmingly, has exacerbated since its initial discovery.
Correctional Investigator Ivan Zinger’s most recent annual evaluation reveals that Indigenous Peoples represent 32 per cent of the total federal inmate population. This figure has shown a significant increase from the 25 per cent recorded in 2013. More alarming still is the statistic that half of the females in these institutions are of Indigenous heritage.
The report paints a sombre picture of the state of Canada’s prison system, describing it in stark terms as ‘disturbingly and unconscionably Indigenized.’ This concentration of Indigenous Peoples reflects the persisting imprints of colonialism within the system—a legacy that further precipitates the persistent marginalization, unjust criminalization, and over-imprisonment of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
In response to these distressing findings, the report advocates for a series of measures aimed to address this systemic overrepresentation. It proposes a transfer of authority over federally-administered healing lodges to local entities. Additionally, the report calls for the development of a national Indigenous ‘decarceration’ strategy—an initiative aimed at reducing this disproportional prison representation.
The report also recommends an enhancement in the provision of support for Indigenous elders working within correctional settings. These proposed measures underscore the necessity for an immediate and thorough revision of the current correctional strategies, to halt the perpetuation of this deep-seated issue that continues to plague the justice system of Canada.
